In 2006 the Leitch Review identified the need to embed a culture of learning in order to create a world-class skills base. A recent report from the Department for Innovation, Universities, and Skills focused on raising the skills and capacity of those already in the workforce. Employer engagement and workforce development is therefore seen as a priority, providing an opportunity for universities to become part of the cycle of knowledge creation, transfer, and application. The paper presents the case for why a university should become involved in knowledge exchange between the employer and the workforce when it could be argued that the employer is quite capable of running their own in-house training. The challenges of delivering work-based learning will be explored along with the need to consider critical success factors in knowledge transfer from those who design the curriculum to those who deliver it. A key challenge in lifelong learning is to meet both employer and university requirements while at the same time providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for the student. The collaborative partnerships under way at the University of Teesside will be discussed as a case study. Approved foundation degrees are already offered in fingerprint identification and further awards are being developed within the investigative process. Supporting evidence for the benefits of the partnerships will cover the practical aspects of designing the curriculum, developing modules, setting learning outcomes, and ultimately accrediting the awards. The desired outcome of these partnerships should be improved quality standards in the workforce in terms of knowledge, skills, and competency to provide greater assurance and public confidence in the UK justice system.